This week is a very special week for all of us. It is World Breastfeeding Week. It holds a special place in my heart both personally and professionally. I have gotten great fulfillment with breastfeeding. As you all know, I breastfed all 7 of my children. I also have helped hundreds of moms and babies breastfeed successfully.

My oldest daughter just left this week to study for a semester in Brazil. I would like to share an e-mail that she sent me several days ago.

Dear Mom,

As I drug my exhausted body and 3 suitcases off of the plane and into the airport in Rio De Janiero, my lazy eyes drifted over to a beautiful Brazilian woman nursing her baby. What struck me was how comfortably she was breastfeeding with her shirt partially unbuttoned and an exposed breast. Not one other soul noticed her but me. I thought back on the countless hours you nursed all of my younger siblings and me, sometimes struggling to find a place that you could find a comfy, private spot to go when we were all out. Yet you never even thought to give it up. You told me once that it was one of your favorite things about babyhood. You knew that it was the best thing for each one of us. I want to thank you for all the times you let me know that the reason I am smart was because I was breastfed, the reason I am rarely sick was because I was breastfed and one of the reasons you love me so much was because of that complete connection you had with me when you nursed me.